South Africa vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I

I guess this is why T20 cricket is special. One good over with the bat or ball could change games completely, and that's exactly what happened today. In the end, it was South Africa who held their nerves, and they walk away with the series 2-1. This is New Zealand's first T20 series loss since 2009, where they lost to Pakistan in the UAE. That's it from us - don't forget to catch highlights of this match whenever you can (and watch out for that stunning catch by Guptill!). Cheers and tata!

Botha: The boundaries are short but I thought that if we could hit good lengths, it will make it tough for the batsmen. The small grounds makes it very interesting, it's a huge challenge for the bowlers because even good balls go for 6. You just have to back yourself, and tonight was my night. Hashim's catch in the last over was very important, not just the catch, the batsmen also crossed for 2 runs so it was important.

Botha is the Man of the Match for his spell of 4-0-20-2. He donates his MoM fee to a local charity.

ABD: Amazing, amazing team effort. Boys played extremely well. It excited me to think what lies ahead in the future. It was tough batting first and assess what's a good total. JPD and I were batting well but we lost some wickets in the middle overs. It was going to be competitive but we didn't have a good start with the ball. de Lange has a big match temparament, we need guys like him. Botha bowled well and got Jesse under pressure at the right time. We do feel good about the win, but we don't want to think too much about the results. We want to win big ICC events, so we'll look to take it to the World Cup.

Brendon: I guess the game was in our hands for majority of the evening but South Africa were composed and continued to apply pressure on us. Our bowlers were outstanding, it was well below par total and for the majority of our batting, we were on top but we didn't do well in the pressure situations. It's disappointing, but we have to move on. In the last 4-5 overs, we tried to finish the game too early instead of taking it till the end. It slowed up our pace and we lost key wickets. It was smart play from ABD. It's disappointing that we couldn't put up a good show for the Christchurch victims but we have to move on, there are important games coming up. Jesse was brilliant for most of the innings but he is disappointed that he couldn't finish it off. Not just him, everyone is disappointed, but credit to South Africa.

How will Jesse Ryder be feeling now? He was brilliant in the first half of his innings, but the sudden bogging down towards the end has probably cost New Zealand the game and the series. South Africa dropped catches, missed run outs, but still managed to maintain pressure on the batsmen. It is not too easy to defend 160 odd on these grounds, which makes it even more special.

It should have been an easy win for New Zealand, but they somehow lost it. They were cruising along even when they were losing wickets, but lost their way in the last few overs. Ryder got stuck on 49 for quite a while, building pressure on himself and allowing South Africa a slight chance. Then Botha bowled a dream 19th over (3 runs and the wicket of Ryder), which made it 7 from 6. de Lange followed it up with a brilliant last over, and although he threatened to undo all the good work with that no ball, maintained his calm and finished it off.

19.6 de Lange to Southee, no run, swing and a miss! South Africa win an absolute thriller. Oh boy, what an end to the game. Credit to de Lange - he maintained his calm and bowled it just outside off, Southee made some room and looked to go over the on side but failed to make contact. How did New Zealand lose this? Stop calling South Africa chokers!

It's a free hit now. de Villiers has a word with de Lange, while the batsmen converge for a chat. We could have a super-over now! 4 to win from 1, and the bowler is taking quite a lot of time

19.6 de Lange to Franklin, no ball, 1 run, THIS MATCH is absolutely unbelievable! de Lange bowls a no ball!! And it's a free hit now..full and straight, Franklin drills it to long off. He thinks the match is over but realises late that de Lange has overstepped. Unbelievable!

Tim Southee, right handed bat, comes to the crease

6 from 1

19.5 de Lange to Doug Bracewell, out Caught by Amla!! What an absolute ripper of a catch, and what a time to pull it off! May look like a simple chance in the replays but boy o boy, that was extremely tough. This was fuller in length on the off, Bracewell slogs wildly and mistimes it high (very high) towards point, Amla goes back a few steps and judges it well, it threatened to go away from him when it came down but he dived and plucked it inches off the ground. Match situation: 6 to win from 1. Doug Bracewell c Amla b de Lange 0(2)

de Lange to Doug Bracewell, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

19.4 de Lange to Doug Bracewell, no run, another dot ball! What an over this is turning out to be..a swing and a miss now. de Lange maintains it quick and around off, Bracewell looks to swing across the line but misses

Doug Bracewell, right handed bat, comes to the crease

19.3 de Lange to N McCullum, out Caught by de Villiers!! A wicket! Oh dear, this is getting extremely tight! N McCullum sees fine leg inside the circle and looks to scoop it over him, but the ball bounces a bit more than he expects and he tamely lobs it to de Villiers. Simple catch for him, he punches the air after taking it. I am not sure if the batsmen have crossed ends, which may make the job tougher for the hosts! N McCullum c de Villiers b de Lange 0(2)

de Lange to N McCullum, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

19.2 de Lange to N McCullum, no run, dot ball! That's precious! Beaten by the pace there, fast ball that kicks off from length outside off, N McCullum throws his bat at it but can't connect, but it wasn't too far from being given a wide though

Mid off is inside the circle.

19.1 de Lange to Franklin, 1 run, starts with a fullish ball from round the stumps, Franklin drives it on the bounce to long off, 6 from 5 now..

Marchant de Lange [3.0-0-33-0] is back into the attack

7 to win from 6 balls. Surely, New Zealand cannot make a mess of this! But credit to South Africa for dragging the game till the last over. Let's hope for a thrilling finish..

18.6 Johan Botha to Franklin, 1 run, ends the over with a flick to deep mid wicket, just 3 runs and a wicket from that over!

Nathan McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.5 Johan Botha to Ryder, out Caught by Morne Morkel at short fine leg!! Too cute from the big Jesse! And he is furious with himself for that, Botha fires this fast and straight, Ryder moves across and looks to scoop it over short fine leg but ends up lobbing it straight to Morne at that position. Botha has won this mini-battle, and the Kiwis are putting unnecessary pressure on themselves. Ryder c Morne Morkel b Johan Botha 52(42) [4s-5 6s-2]

Johan Botha to Ryder, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.4 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, good bowling, sees Ryder backing away and slows it up very wide outside off, Ryder stretches and drags it back to the bowler

18.3 Johan Botha to Franklin, 1 run, full on the legs, Franklin flicks it to deep mid wicket for an easy single

18.2 Johan Botha to Ryder, 1 run, straight stuff again, Ryder flicks it to deep mid wicket, Franklin wanted a second run but Ryder sent him back, the throw from the deep deflected off Franklin's bat but the fielder backing up was alert

18.1 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, Ryder gives the charge, Johan Botha follows him with a fast ball, Ryder adjusts and dabs it to the on side

17.6 Morne Morkel to Ryder, 1 run, catch dropped by Ontong once again, but that's a very tough one! Ryder looks to deposit this one out of the ground but mistimes it completely, it goes straight up in the air and stays there for a long, long, long time, Ontong lined up under it from covers but couldn't hold on, good stuff from the skipper - he walks to Ontong and pats him on the back, with a smile on his face

17.5 Morne Morkel to Franklin, 1 run, back of a length and on the stumps, Franklin works it past mid wicket for one

17.4 Morne Morkel to Ryder, 1 run, gets it finally! Full and angled in again, Ryder works it uppishly to deep square leg for a single. Excellent knock by Ryder in his comeback game, this is his 3rd T20I FIFTY

Ryder has been stuck on 49 for 6 balls..

17.3 Morne Morkel to Ryder, no run, very full on the off, Ryder drives it with the angle to mid on, that's another dot ball, which increases the pressure slightly

17.2 Morne Morkel to Ryder, no run, another dot ball! Short ball that hurries on, Ryder looks to pull but it goes off the top part of the bat to mid on

17.2 Morne Morkel to Ryder, wide, harsh call? Another wide though. Bouncer that goes over the batsman's head, the umpire thinks it's wide enough to be called

17.1 Morne Morkel to Franklin, 1 run, tight run but Ontong's misfield makes it easy. Franklin defends it to covers and runs, Ontong swoops in but doesn't pick up the ball

16.6 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, slowly turns across the left hander, he looks to punch hard but gets a thick inside edge back to Botha, a very good over, but I guess it's too little too late

16.5 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, a low full toss on the off, Ryder is surprised by it and pushes it back to Botha

16.4 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, a shout for LBW but umpire isn't interested. Ryder looks to sweep this from outside off but misses it, Botha went up straightaway and was joined late by de Villiers, hawk eye shows that height would have been an issue

16.3 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, flat and straight, Ryder looks to work it to the on side but is hit high on the pad

16.2 Johan Botha to Franklin, 1 run, given air on the off, Franklin drills it to long off

16.1 Johan Botha to Ryder, 1 run, flighted up on the off, Ryder defends it to covers for a single. brings up the 150 for NZ

Johan Botha [2.0-0-15-1] is back into the attack

15.6 Morne Morkel to Franklin, 2 runs, short and angled in, Franklin works it off his hips to deep backward square leg, good running makes it 2

15.5 Morne Morkel to Ryder, leg byes, 1 run, fuller in length but down the leg, goes off Ryder's pads to fine leg for a leg bye

15.4 Morne Morkel to Ryder, no run, once again a short one in the same area, Ryder looks to cut again but mistimes it to covers

15.3 Morne Morkel to Ryder, FOUR, doesn't matter if wickets fall, Ryder will continue to attack. Short and around off, Ryder makes room quickly and cuts it wide of third man, the fielder tries to chase but that went too fast

James Franklin, left handed bat, comes to the crease

15.2 Morne Morkel to Williamson, out Caught by Albie Morkel!! Simple catch for the other Morkel. Banged in short on the stumps, Williamson looks to pull but is hurried on by the pace and bounce, ends up with a weak mistimed lob that goes straight to Albie at mid wicket. South Africa need 6 more like that. Williamson c Albie Morkel b Morne Morkel 6(9)

Morne Morkel to Williamson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.2 Morne Morkel to Williamson, wide, poor stuff. They have not been disciplined with the ball today, this one is very wide outside off, Williamson still looks to chase it but can't

15.1 Morne Morkel to Williamson, no run, beaten. Length ball which kicks off after pitching, Williamson looks to defend but misses

Morne Morkel [2.0-0-19-1] is back into the attack

14.6 de Lange to Ryder, 2 runs, overpitched outside off, Ryder drives well but the man at deep extra cover runs across to stop it

14.5 de Lange to Ryder, FOUR, once bounce four. Short and very wide outside off, Ryder stretches and slaps it, didn't go hard at it but hit it well enough to get a boundary, in fact it almost went all the way!

14.4 de Lange to Williamson, 1 run, once again leg side line, Williamson nudges it to deep square leg

14.4 de Lange to Williamson, wide, very quick but it's of no use if it's bowled there, short and down the leg, ABD collects it in front of his face

14.3 de Lange to Ryder, 1 run, just missed the leg stump there! Fuller and wider outside off, Ryder drives away from the body and gets a thick inside edge that goes past the stumps to fine leg

14.2 de Lange to Ryder, no run, quick short one from round the stumps, Ryder looks to play an upper-cut but is beaten by the pace and bounce

14.1 de Lange to Williamson, 1 run, back of a length ball on the stumps, Williamson tucks it to mid wicket for one

The rain is getting heavier. New Zealand are ahead according to D/L. The players are walking off. No, wait! Just as the ground-staff get ready with the covers, the rain gods decide to leave the ground. One of the shortest rain delays in the history of the game!

13.6 Peterson to Ryder, SIX, just manages to clear the ropes this time! The rain is getting a bit heavier and looks like Ryder wants to finish it quickly. Once again down the track and once again lofted, not too well timed this time but manages to beat long on

13.4 Peterson to Williamson, no run, flighted delivery on the off, Williamson comes on the frontfoot and drives it back to Peterson who dives and pushes it to extra cover

13.3 Peterson to Ryder, 1 run, now he calmly nudges it off the backfoot to backward square leg, good batting

13.2 Peterson to Ryder, SIX, that is HUGE! The ground is small but that would have cleared any boundary. Just takes a couple of steps forward and slams it straight down the ground, many rows into the stands behind the sight-screen

13.1 Peterson to Williamson, 1 run, slow and loopy on the middle, Williamson leans and takes it on the full, drives it to long on

12.6 Duminy to Williamson, 1 run, another single to sweeper cover to end the over, once again Duminy gives some width which the batsman uses

12.5 Duminy to Ryder, 1 run, given air and width outside off, Ryder drives it hard to sweeper cover

12.4 Duminy to Williamson, 1 run, gets off the mark with a swat to long on, stays deep in the crease and slaps it along the ground to the man there

12.3 Duminy to Ryder, 1 run, no flight again, Ryder stays back and punches it to deep extra cover

12.2 Duminy to Ryder, no run, flatter and fuller on the middle, Ryder looks to flick but gets hit on the pads

12.1 Duminy to Ryder, no run, given air on the off, Ryder pushes it to the off side

Kane Williamson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.6 Peterson to Brendon McCullum, out Caught by de Villiers!! Juggled and taken on the second attempt! Once again this is good bowling from Peterson, deceived him in the flight there. Slowly turns from leg towards off, Brendon swivels and looks to pull but he is too early onto the shot, gets a thin edge which ABD fumbles initially but recovers in time to catch it. Some hope for South Africa? Brendon McCullum c de Villiers b Peterson 18(19) [4s-1 6s-1]

11.4 Peterson to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, given air on the off, Brendon stays back and punches it to sweeper cover, ABD is standing too close to the stumps and whipped the off bail by mistake

11.3 Peterson to Ryder, 1 run, flat and wide outside off, Ryder stretches and swats it from there to long on

11.2 Peterson to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, nicely bowled, even slower through the air, Brendon waits and sweeps it to deep mid wicket for a single, he wanted to hit it hard but there was no pace

11.1 Peterson to Brendon McCullum, no run, flat and straight, Brendon flicks it to mid wicket

Robin Peterson [2.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

10.6 Duminy to Ryder, 2 runs, lots of luck for Ryder! Stayed in the air for a long time but fell right between 3 fielders, comes down the track and looks to slog across, mishits it completely between extra cover, sweeper and long off for a couple

10.5 Duminy to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, too full this time, Brendon leans and caresses it to long off

10.4 Duminy to Ryder, 1 run, loopy and slow on the off, Ryder pushes it to long off for one

10.3 Duminy to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Duminy gets away with it, short ball that sits up to be hit, Brendon pulls hard but straight to the fielder at deep square leg

10.2 Duminy to Brendon McCullum, no run, flat and on the off, Brendon pats it to covers

He's bowling from round the stumps

10.1 Duminy to Brendon McCullum, no run, JPD gets a bit of drift, Brendon wanted to push it to the on side but ended up pushing it back to the bowler

Jean-Paul Duminy, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

New Zealand are cruising along..

9.6 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Parnell holds back the length, Brendon looks to punch but mistimes it past extra cover, 14 runs from that over

9.5 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, SIX, that was actually a mishit. Full and outside off, Brendon looks to go over extra cover but the bat turns, it goes off the inside half and clears the sight-screen

9.4 Parnell to Ryder, 1 run, pitched up outside off, Ryder drives it to deep extra cover, nicely played but there is protection there

9.3 Parnell to Ryder, FOUR, not so good from Parnell this time. Ryder makes some room and Parnell looks to follow him, Ryder swivels and helps it wide of short fine leg, not the line to bowl with that fielder inside the circle

9.2 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, maintains it full in length again, Brendon drills it to long off for another single

9.1 Parnell to Ryder, 1 run, full and on the off, Ryder pushes at it and gets a thick inside edge to deep mid wicket

Wayne Parnell, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

8.6 Johan Botha to Brendon McCullum, no run, flighted up on the off, Brendon goes back and blocks, a good over but for that wide

8.5 Johan Botha to Ryder, 1 run, flat and angled in from round the stumps, Ryder works it to square leg for one

8.4 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, good fielding, this was driven hard towards covers where JP Duminy makes a diving stop

8.3 Johan Botha to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, in the air but safe, pushes this off the frontfoot uppishly, the fielder at extra cover dives but it was well wide of him, single to long off

8.2 Johan Botha to Brendon McCullum, no run, given air on the middle, Brendon comes on the frontfoot and defends

8.2 Johan Botha to Brendon McCullum, 5 wides, lots of turn, ABD didn't have much clue about it. Spins in sharply (and surprisingly) from off to down the leg side, Brendon misses the glance and ABD misses the ball

8.1 Johan Botha to Brendon McCullum, no run, slow and loopy on the off, Brendon gets forward and blocks

7.6 Morne Morkel to Ryder, FOUR, Morne looks to follow it up with a full ball but Ryder is up to it. Overpitched outside off, Ryder leans and smashes the drive wide of mid off for a boundary

7.5 Morne Morkel to Ryder, no run, good bowling, a fast bouncer on the stumps, Ryder looks to play the upper cut but misses, ABD thinks there is an edge on it but there isn't

7.4 Morne Morkel to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, once again on the legs but this was quicker, Brendon tucks it to backward square leg

7.3 Morne Morkel to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, poor bowling. Sprays this short and on the legs, Brendon pulls and gets some bat on it to fine leg, not the ball to bowl to a man on zero. Releases all the pressure created by the twin wickets

7.2 Morne Morkel to Brendon McCullum, no run, fuller in length and nipping in from outside off, Brendon lets it go

7.1 Morne Morkel to Brendon McCullum, no run, back of a length on the off, McCullum stays back and blocks it

Brendon McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

A slip in place now

6.6 Johan Botha to Guptill, out Caught by Amla at long off!! Another wicket! These shots don't look good when they don't give you the desired result. Full and flat ball, Guptill looks to loft without looking up, the bat turns in his hands and he mistimes it to long off where Amla runs across and completes a low catch. New Zealand lose their openers, but are going at a terrific run rate. Guptill c Amla b Johan Botha 26(19) [4s-3 6s-1]

Johan Botha to Guptill, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

6.5 Johan Botha to Ryder, 1 run, loopy delivery on the off, Ryder drives it to long off for one

6.5 Johan Botha to Ryder, wide, Botha tries the quicker one but bowls it down the leg, Ryder lets it go

6.4 Johan Botha to Ryder, FOUR, edged to third man! Ryder sees some flight and gives the charge, throws his bat at it wildly and gets a thick edge that flies past short third man

6.3 Johan Botha to Guptill, 1 run, tossed up on the off, he drives it to long off

6.2 Johan Botha to Ryder, 1 run, almost a run out, but Guptill comes in the way of the throw! But that was not deliberate, so it isn't obstructing the field. Poor call from Ryder, he pushes this to the on side and thinks that it's past Botha and starts running, Botha gets to the ball quickly and throws it to the keeper's end but hits Guptill. South Africa think about an appeal, but don't

6.1 Johan Botha to Ryder, no run, flat ball on the off, Ryder stays in the crease and blocks

Johan Botha, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Jesse Ryder, left handed bat, comes to the crease

5.6 Morne Morkel to Nicol, out Caught by Levi at fine leg!! Finally a wicket for South Africa. Morne bangs it short once again, Nicol tries to hook but doesn't get into a proper position, gets a thick top edge that flies to fine leg, Levi misjudged it for a moment but recovered well and held on to a low catch. An entertaining knock ends. Nicol c Levi b Morne Morkel 33(19) [4s-5 6s-1]

Morne Morkel to Nicol, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

5.5 Morne Morkel to Guptill, 1 run, dabs a short ball to short cover for a quick single

5.4 Morne Morkel to Nicol, 1 run, tough to call that a drop, but that's still a chance. Short ball on the middle stump, Nicol doesn't get much power behind the pull shot and mishits it uppishly, Parnell leaps from square leg with an outstretched left hand but couldn't hold on, would have been a Guptill type catch had he taken it!

5.3 Morne Morkel to Guptill, 1 run, good bowling, probably the best place to bowl. Short, fast and straight, Guptill nudges it to mid wicket

5.2 Morne Morkel to Nicol, 1 run, short of length and straight, Nicol stands tall and tucks it to square leg

5.1 Morne Morkel to Nicol, SIX, welcome Morne. You may be big, but the ground is too small. Back of length and down the leg, Nicol comes down the track and just swings it across the line over deep square leg, excellent shot even though he didn't have any room to work with

Morne Morkel, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

4.6 Albie Morkel to Guptill, no run, banged in short this time, Guptill swivels and looks to hook but misses it, de Villiers has a wry smile on his face

4.5 Albie Morkel to Guptill, FOUR, not exactly what he was trying, but he still gets 4. Angled in to the pads, Guptill looks to heave it over mid wicket and gets a thick inside edge wide of deep backward square

4.5 Albie Morkel to Guptill, wide, pressure on Albie now, sprays it down the leg once again, wide signalled

4.4 Albie Morkel to Guptill, SIX, typical Guptill shot! He is not even seeing the ball.. audacious! In the slot for him, he puts his frontfoot forward and just punches it with a straight bat over long on, easily cleared the ropes there!

4.3 Albie Morkel to Guptill, leg byes, FOUR, poor line. gentle stuff on the legs, all Guptill has to do it to get something on the way and he does, runs off the pads to fine leg

4.2 Albie Morkel to Nicol, 1 run, back of a length on the off, Nicol stays back and blocks it to the vacant mid wicket region for one

4.1 Albie Morkel to Guptill, 1 run, full and swinging away, Guptill looks to drive but gets a thick edge to third man, just a single

Albie Morkel, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

3.6 de Lange to Nicol, FOUR, wrong length and line, too full and on the legs, Nicol flicks it easily to deep backward square leg, this is a great start for Nicol and New Zealand

3.5 de Lange to Nicol, no run, length ball on middle stump, Nicol calmly defends it this time

3.4 de Lange to Nicol, FOUR, how well has he hit that? Not a bad ball at all - this was a low full toss with great pace on the stumps - Nicol shuffles a touch and flicks it away wide of square leg for four

3.3 de Lange to Nicol, no run, aggression from both de Lange and Nicol! A pacy bouncer on the stumps, Nicol charges down the track and slogs but can't get bat on ball, this is a good competition between these 2

3.2 de Lange to Nicol, no run, fast and straight, Nicol once again looks to glance it to fine leg but gets hit high on the pads, "too quick", says de Villiers

3.1 de Lange to Nicol, FOUR, what a shot! That went so fast to the ropes! Full and straight from de Lange, Nicol shuffles across in a flash and whips it off his pads to fine leg, the fielder there dives across but it was just too quick for him

2.6 Peterson to Nicol, 1 run, flighted up on the off, Nicol looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge to backward square leg, retains strike with one

2.5 Peterson to Guptill, 1 run, loopy delivery on the off, Guptill makes room and slams it to long off, there is protection in the deep

2.4 Peterson to Nicol, 1 run, skiddy stuff on the stumps, Nicol stays back and works it to mid wicket

2.3 Peterson to Nicol, FOUR, another one! Peterson adjusts and holds back the length, Nicol reads it well and stays back to pull it away, there is a man at deep mid but he can't get there

2.2 Peterson to Nicol, FOUR, he's strong there. This was flatter and fuller, Nicol goes on his knees and stretches a long way, takes it on the full and powers the sweep to deep square leg

2.1 Peterson to Nicol, no run, slow stuff on the off, Nicol defends it back to the bowler

1.6 de Lange to Guptill, no run, good length ball on the off, Guptill comes on the frontfoot and blocks

1.6 de Lange to Nicol, 2 wides, fumble by de Villiers. This was sprayed down the leg, ABD makes a mess of it behind the stumps and NZ have 2 runs from an illegal delivery

1.5 de Lange to Guptill, 1 run, very full on the middle and leg, Guptill gets an inside edge to short fine leg for one

1.4 de Lange to Guptill, FOUR, that's what I was saying, he can use the pace to his advantage on these small grounds, just stands tall and punches it with a straight elbow over mid on for four

1.3 de Lange to Guptill, FOUR, that would have been a sitter for 3rd slip in a Test match. Extreme pace from de Lange, bowls this fast and full, Guptill was late on the defence and got a thick edge to third man

1.2 de Lange to Guptill, no run, another pacy ball! A bouncer right on middle stump, Guptill ducks under it

1.1 de Lange to Guptill, no run, quick stuff! 142 kmph short ball outside off, Guptill looks to slash but misses, good pace but the batsman can use it to his advantage here

Marchant de Lange, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Peterson to Guptill, 1 run, flighted delivery on the middle and leg, Guptill looks to heave it through the on side but mishits along the ground to deep mid wicket

0.5 Peterson to Nicol, 1 run, another single, Peterson dives and looks to stop this drive but only manages a half stop, they take an easy run

0.4 Peterson to Guptill, 1 run, floated on the middle stump line, Guptill drills it to long off for a single

0.3 Peterson to Guptill, no run, pushed through the air on the off, Guptill pats it to covers

Guptill was holding his right shoulder after the end of the first innings, but he seems to be fine now

0.2 Peterson to Nicol, 1 run, a bit more flight this time, Nicol comes on the frontfoot and pushes it to long off

0.1 Peterson to Nicol, no run, starts with a flat one on the off, Nicol goes on the backfoot and punches it back to the bowler

Nicol and Guptill are at the crease. Nicol is on strike. Peterson will open the attack

Right, we're back after a small break.

So 165/7 is what South Africa finish with. Challenging total for New Zealand but with a small ground it could just prove to be a little low. The Kiwis should fancy themselves today and their bowling has given them a good chance of clinching the series. South Africa will be a little upset with themselves after the start they got. Duminy and and de Villiers were really setting the platform for a good total, but the two fell in quick succession and the batsmen that followed just couldn't get going. Parnell did well in the end though scoring 22 off 17 to take the score past the 160 mark. So 166 is the target for New Zealand, join us shortly for the run chase

19.6 Southee to Peterson, FOUR, a boundary to finish things off! Full toss outside off stump, Peterson drives it through the covers to the deep extra cover fence. Guptill puts in the dive at the boundary but doesn't prevent the ball from crossing the ropes

19.5 Southee to Peterson, no run, Peterson tries to reverse sweep a full delivery that just misses the off stump

19.4 Southee to Peterson, 2 runs, full on middle and off, Peterson drives it by opening the face of the bat to sweeper cover for a couple, slow work in the field allows the batsmen those two runs. McCullum doesn't look very happy about it

19.3 Southee to Parnell, 1 run, full toss on off stump, Parnell tries to smash it back past the bowler but it comes off the bottom of the bat and goes to long on for a single

19.2 Southee to Parnell, no run, Southee comes around the wicket, full toss outside off stump, Parnell tries to smash it back past the bowler but doesn't middle it

19.1 Southee to Parnell, SIX, length ball outside off stump, Parnell plonks his front foot forward and drives it through the line over the deep extra cover fence for a maximum!

Tim Southee [3.0-0-9-2] is back into the attack

18.6 Nicol to Parnell, 1 run, Parnell hits it hard across the line to mid wicket for a single

18.5 Nicol to Peterson, 1 run, switch hit from Peterson to long off for a single

18.4 Nicol to Parnell, 1 run, slower, Parnell comes down the track and flat bats it to long off

18.3 Nicol to Parnell, no run, fired in on leg, Parnell gets hit on the pad

18.2 Nicol to Peterson, 1 run, heaves it to deep square leg for a single

18.1 Nicol to Peterson, no run, fired in outside off stump, Peterson tries to reverse sweep but misses it

Rob Nicol [2.0-0-16-2] is back into the attack

17.6 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, FOUR, wide outside the off stump, Parnell slices it and it goes off the outside edge to square third man for a boundary! Good attempt by Bates at the boundary who dives to his left to try and stop it but fails to do so

17.5 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, 2 runs, fuller outside the off stump, Parnell drives through the line to deep extra cover for a couple

17.4 Doug Bracewell to Peterson, 1 run, short on middle, Peterson tries to pull it but the ball goes off the top edge and falls short of the man at fine leg

17.3 Doug Bracewell to Peterson, no run, back of a length on off stump, Peterson defends it off the back foot towards point

17.2 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, 1 run, short outside off stump, Parnell pulls it across the line to mid wicket for a single

17.1 Doug Bracewell to Peterson, 1 run, full outside the off stump, Peterson drives it square of the wicket for a single

17.1 Doug Bracewell to Peterson, wide, wide outside off stump, Peterson tries to cut it but misses and the umpire signals a wide

16.6 Southee to Peterson, 1 run, full on off stump, Peterson opens the face and guides it to third man

Robin Peterson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

16.5 Southee to Johan Botha, out Caught by Guptill!! Absolute ripper of a catch! Wide outside the off stump, Johan Botha goes across his stumps to try and cover the line of the delivery. He drives it in the air and tries to get it over the man at short cover. Guptill there leaps in the air, sticks out his left hand and plucks the ball out of thin air to take a magnificent catch! That was an unbelieveable bit of fielding, Guptill was airborne when he took that catch! Johan Botha c Guptill b Southee 2(7)

Southee to Johan Botha, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Nine dot balls in a row from New Zealand

16.4 Southee to Johan Botha, no run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Johan Botha pushes it off the back foot to the man at short cover

16.3 Southee to Johan Botha, no run, good length outside the off stump, good line from the bowler. Johan Botha tries to have a feel for it outside the off stump but gets beaten

16.2 Southee to Johan Botha, no run, good length on off stump, Johan Botha pushes at it with his bat away from his body and the ball goes off the inside edge onto his pads

16.1 Southee to Johan Botha, no run, Johan Botha gets an inside edge onto the pads, the batsmen dont risk a single

Tim Southee [2.0-0-8-1] is back into the attack

So four overs left now, South Africa will be thinking of getting their score to a little over the 160 mark. Perhaps even think about 170 provided they don't lose any wickets

15.6 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, no run, fuller outside off angled across the left hander. Parnell tries to swing across the line but misses it completely

15.5 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, no run, good length delivery outside the off stump, Parnell pushes it off the front foot to the man at cover

15.4 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, no run, slower one full and outside the off stump, Parnell drives it back to the bowler

15.3 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, no run, bouncer from Doug Bracewell! Parnell tries to pull it across the line but he gets beaten by the bounce. The umpire signals one for the over

15.2 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, no run, on middle and off, Parnell tries pull it but he doesn't time it and it goes back to the bowler

15.1 Doug Bracewell to Parnell, FOUR, good length outside the off stump, Parnell tries to run it down to third man and the ball flew off the outside edge between Brendon and Ryder at 1st slip, Ryder dives to his right but cannot get there and the ball goes to the third man fence for a boundary!

Doug Bracewell [2.0-0-14-1] is back into the attack

14.6 Nicol to Parnell, 1 run, outside the off stump, Parnell drives it away off the front foot to deep backward point for an easy single

14.4 Nicol to Parnell, 1 run, outside off stump, Parnell dabs it away to short third man for a single

Wayne Parnell, left handed bat, comes to the crease

14.3 Nicol to Ontong, out Lbw!! He lost his bat! Looked a little high but umpire Gaffaney thought otherwise and raised his index finger! It was pitched on off stump, turned back into the right hander who went down on one knee and tried to pull it across the line. The bat flew out off his hand and he got struck on his hip, replays show the ball was just hitting leg stump. Ontong lbw b Nicol 6(5) [4s-1]

Nicol to Ontong, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

14.2 Nicol to Johan Botha, 1 run, tossed up on middle and leg, Johan Botha drives it along the ground to long on for a single

Johan Botha, right handed bat, comes to the crease

14.1 Nicol to de Villiers, out Bowled!! Fired in on leg stump, de Villiers tries to go across the line and flick it away down to fine leg. de Villiers misses the line completely and the ball strikes the top of leg stump. de Villiers was trying to force the issue a little owing to his injury and was looking for the big shot, unfortunately for him he just didn't pick the line and Nicol cleaned him up. What a match Nicol is having! de Villiers b Nicol 29(23) [4s-2 6s-1]

Nicol to de Villiers, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

13.6 M Bates to de Villiers, leg byes, 1 run, slightly fuller on leg stump, de Villiers tries to heave it across the line but misses and the ball comes off his thigh pad and goes to third man for a single

13.5 M Bates to Ontong, 1 run, outside off again, Ontong drives it across the line between midwicket and long on for an easy single

13.4 M Bates to de Villiers, 1 run, slower delivery outside off, de Villiers clips it to mid wicket for a single

13.3 M Bates to Ontong, 1 run, Ontong punches it to long off for a single

13.2 M Bates to Ontong, FOUR, pulled away by Ontong to the deep mid wicket fence for a boundary!

de Villiers looks to be in trouble, he seems to have injured himself on the fall previously. He seems to have pulled his left hamstring

13.1 M Bates to Ontong, no run, good length on the off stump, Ontong drives it to the man at cover

Michael Bates [2.0-0-22-0] is back into the attack

Justin Ontong, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12.6 Nicol to de Villiers, out Duminy Run Out!! Brilliant piece of fielding by Nicol! Full, de Villiers drives it straight back to the bowler. Duminy backs up a little too much and Nicol shows good presence of mind to whip the bails off the stumps. Duminy looks gutted but that was simply brilliant from Nicol Duminy run out (Nicol) 38(20) [4s-2 6s-2]

Nicol to de Villiers, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

12.5 Nicol to de Villiers, FOUR, outside the off stump, de Villiers comes down the track and drives it inside out to deep extra cover for a fence

12.4 Nicol to de Villiers, SIX, on middle and leg, de Villiers gets down on one knee and smashes it over deep mid wicket for a six! The ball goes just over the fielder stationed there

12.3 Nicol to de Villiers, no run, de Villiers tries the reverse sweep and slips while doing so. The keeper fumbles and that prevents what might have been an awkward stumping

8.2 N McCullum to Duminy, 2 runs, dropped short outside the off stump, Duminy drives it off the back foot to deep extra cover for a couple

8.1 N McCullum to de Villiers, 1 run, on leg stump, de Villiers reverse sweep it square of the wicket for a single

Nathan McCullum, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

7.6 Doug Bracewell to de Villiers, 1 run, short again outside the off stump, de Villiers drives it off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single

7.5 Doug Bracewell to Duminy, 1 run, shorter this time on middle, Duminy pulls it across the line to deep square leg for another single

7.4 Doug Bracewell to de Villiers, 1 run, on middle and leg, de Villiers taps it with an angled bat to square leg for an easy single

7.3 Doug Bracewell to Duminy, 1 run, good length on middle and leg, Duminy pushes it off the back foot with an angled bat to forward short leg for a quick single

7.2 Doug Bracewell to Duminy, no run, back of a length on off stump, Duminy gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it off the back foot towards the bowler

Jean-Paul Duminy, left handed bat, comes to the crease

7.1 Doug Bracewell to Amla, out Caught by Brendon McCullum!! Good length outside the off stump, pitches and comes back in to the right hander. Amla tries to give himself a little room and has a feel for it outside the off stump. The ball takes the outside edge and goes straight to the keeper who takes a fairly easy catch to dismiss Amla. Amla c Brendon McCullum b Doug Bracewell 33(22) [4s-4 6s-1]

Doug Bracewell to Amla, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Doug Bracewell, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

6.6 Southee to de Villiers, 2 runs, good length delivery on the middle stump, de Villiers whips it across the line to deep mid wicket. Poor running from Amla there prevents the batsmen from picking up three

6.5 Southee to de Villiers, no run, full on middle and off, de Villiers gets onto the front foot and defends it back to the bowler

6.4 Southee to Amla, 1 run, slightly shorter this time outside the off stump, Amla cuts it away to sweeper cover for a single

6.3 Southee to de Villiers, 1 run, on middle and leg, de Villiers taps it away to mid wicket and scampers through for a single. de Villiers thinks about a second but the bowler gets to the ball and Amla turns it down

6.2 Southee to de Villiers, no run, good length this time on the off stump, de Villiers pushes it off the back foot to the man at cover

6.1 Southee to Amla, 1 run, back of a length outside off stump, pitches and comes back in to the batsman. Amla opens the face of the bat and guides it down to third man for a comfortable single

5.6 R Hira to Amla, 1 run, Amla drives it along the ground between extra cover and long off

5.6 R Hira to Amla, wide, down the leg side from R Hira

5.5 R Hira to Amla, no run, dropped! Flighted outside off, Amla drives it hard to short cover and Guptill puts down a decent chance

5.4 R Hira to de Villiers, 1 run, on middle, de Villiers drives it to mid wicket for a single

5.3 R Hira to Amla, 1 run, quicker one outside off, Amla tries to drive it through the off side but the ball goes off the outside edge to short third man

5.2 R Hira to Amla, SIX, lovely shot! Tossed up outside off stump, Amla gets down on one knee gives himself some room and drives it over deep extra cover for a maximum!

5.1 R Hira to Amla, FOUR, fired in outside off stump, Amla drives it square of the wicket for a boundary!

Ronnie Hira [1.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack

4.6 Southee to Amla, 1 run, back of a length delivery outside off, Amla drives it square to third man for a single

AB de Villiers, right handed bat, comes to the crease

4.5 Southee to Albie Morkel, out Caught by Nicol!! Morkel has perished! Full on middle and leg, Albie Morkel gets down on one knee and tries to heave it over deep mid wicket. Unfortunately for him it doesn't come off the middle of the bat and it goes to Nicol at deep mid wicket who runs in from the boundary to take another good catch Albie Morkel c Nicol b Southee 10(9) [6s-1]

Southee to Albie Morkel, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

4.4 Southee to Albie Morkel, no run, bouncer from Southee! On middle, looked a little high, but the batsman ducked under it and the square leg umpire says it is alright

4.3 Southee to Amla, 1 run, on middle and leg, Amla slips after pushing it to mid wicket and runs through for a single

4.2 Southee to Albie Morkel, 1 run, tighter line on middle, Albie Morkel pulls it to mid wicket for an easy single

4.1 Southee to Albie Morkel, no run, slightly back of a length outside the off stump, Albie Morkel tries to pull it across the line but ends up hitting thin air

Tim Southee, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

3.6 M Bates to Albie Morkel, 1 run, good length on leg stump, Albie Morkel tries to pull it across the line but it comes off the inside edge to mid wicket for a single

3.5 M Bates to Albie Morkel, SIX, huge hit that! Slightly short from the bowler, Albie Morkel picks the length early and pulls it high over the deep mid wicket fence for a maximum!

3.4 M Bates to Amla, 1 run, good length delivery on middle and leg, Amla flicks it off his hips to backward square leg for a single

3.3 M Bates to Albie Morkel, 1 run, back of a length outside off, Albie Morkel pushes at it off the back foot and guides it with an open face to third man

3.2 M Bates to Amla, 1 run, on middle and leg again, angled across the right hander, Amla drives it to mid off but he doesn't quite middle it

3.1 M Bates to Amla, FOUR, fuller on middle and leg, Amla chips it over the infield and the ball races away to the boundary at long on

2.6 Franklin to Amla, 1 run, back of a length outside the off stump, Amla dabs it down to third man for a quick single

2.5 Franklin to Albie Morkel, 1 run, on middle and leg, Albie Morkel drives it along the ground to mid on for a single

2.4 Franklin to Albie Morkel, no run, on the off stump, Albie Morkel pushes it to cover

2.3 Franklin to Amla, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the off stump, Amla taps it away to backward square leg for a single

Albie Morkel, left handed bat, comes to the crease

2.2 Franklin to Levi, out Caught by Nicol!! Gone this time! Similar looking shot, and this time he finds the fielder! On that leg stump line again from the bowler, Levi tries to get under it again and flicks it in the air, the ball goes towards deep backward square leg. Nicol runs around the boundary to take an excellent low catch! Levi c Nicol b Franklin 11(7) [4s-1 6s-1]

Franklin to Levi, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

2.1 Franklin to Levi, SIX, full on leg stump, Levi gets under the delivery and flicks it off his pads over the fine leg ropes for a six!

James Franklin, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

1.6 M Bates to Amla, no run, fuller this time on the off stump, Amla pushes it off the front foot to the fielder at point

1.5 M Bates to Amla, no run, good length delivery outside the off stump, angled across the right hander. Amla tries to push at it but gets beaten by the angle

1.4 M Bates to Amla, FOUR, full on leg stump, Amla times it beautifully and flicks it away to deep mid wicket for another boundary!

1.3 M Bates to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery outside the off stump this time, Amla trires to have a feel for it and gets beaten by the bounce. Amla is lucky that it didn't go off the edge

1.2 M Bates to Amla, no run, good length this time from M Bates, outside the off stump. Amla shoulders arms and lets it go through to the keeper

1.1 M Bates to Amla, FOUR, full on the pads, Amla gets across the line and flicks it away down to the fine leg fence for a boundary!

Michael Bates, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 R Hira to Levi, no run, quicker one by R Hira, Levi just pushes it back towards the bowler

0.5 R Hira to Levi, no run, appeal for lbw! not given! going down leg that one, pitched on leg stump but didn't straighten enough

0.4 R Hira to Levi, FOUR, on middle and leg, Levi drives it straight down the ground and it comes off the non striker's foot and goes away to the long off fence

0.3 R Hira to Amla, 1 run, tossed up on middle and off, pitches and turns away from Amla who fends at it and gets the outside edge to short third man

0.2 R Hira to Levi, 1 run, on middle and leg, Levi flicks it away to deep mid wicket for a single

0.1 R Hira to Levi, no run, starts off with a flighted one on the off stump, Levi drives it to the man at mid-off

Levi and Amla are at the crease. Levi is on strike. R Hira will open the attack

So the teams are lining up in the middle and the match should be under way very soon. A moment of silence is being observed by the players for the disaster that occurred in Christchurch 12 months ago. The England women's team, New Zealand Women's team, New Zealand men's team and South Africa men's team is out in the middle for the moment of silence

The match will start in about 10 minutes time and there will be a full 20 over match.

The teams today will observe a minute's silence just before the start of play. Today, it is the first anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake which destroyed most parts of the city and damaged the AMI Jade stadium.

Pitch report: Some light rain is predicted. The light is moderate and there is some wind blowing across. The rain hasn't done any damage to the pitch. It is absolutely hard and flat, but it has a lot of pace and bounce. The outfield will be dry, and the boundaries are slightly bigger.

ABD: Wasn't too sure about what to do, so happy to lose the toss. It makes it slightly tricky for the bowling team, hopefully we can bat and put up a score. Levi was brilliant the other day, hopefully he keeps up the form and confidence. The World Cup is the main event, we are playing good cricket now and hopefully continue towards the World Cup. T20 is all about strategy, right from ball 1 to ball 240. It is a nightmare for the captain but I'm enjoying it.

Brendon: The conditions makes it easier for the team chasing. Hopefully we can get the job done and chase down whatever they put on board. We had a tough night the other day but it was an amazing innings, which may not happen every day. Jesse Ryder and Michael Bates come in. Kyle Mills is unfortunately sick today. All our thoughts are with the people of Christchurch, hopefully we can put up a good performance for them.

New Zealand have won the toss and elected to field

Ian Smith, on air, says that the toss will take place in about eight minutes time, which is 11:10 AM IST or 6:40 PM Local.

Conditions are slightly overcast and there is some rain around. However, live visuals show that it is dry for the moment and the ground staff are working hard to ensure that the match starts on time.

Hamilton saw a barrage of sixes from Richard Levi as he equalled the highest T20I score. His unbeaten 117 included 13 sixes and the NZ bowlers had absolutely no clue. One expects that the final T20I of the NZ summer promises more such thrills. Stay tuned for the toss and the team updates.

Hello and Welcome to the 3rd and final T20I between New Zealand and South Africa from Auckland. The series is tied 1-1 and this promises to be an exciting encounter.

Preview by Anoop Naval

New Zealand host the Proteas in Auckland in the deciding T20 international and it has never been a more trying situation for either sides. Both the previous matches have been rather one sided, with New Zealand giving the Proteas a welcome to remember in the first and the South Africans biting back hard to take a huge chunk off the Kiwi bowling side in the second.

In both the first and second matches, the team winning the toss had elected to field first, which somehow turned out as favourable for them. If New Zealand successfully chased down 147 in Wellington, South Africa reached 174 within a blink of an eye in Hamilton. This clash of two very strong teams is one of the reasons this series has been hands-down exciting. With the three match T20 series poised 1-1, and the teams baying for each other's blood with the way they have batted previously, the decider is sure to keep the tremors going.

South Africa: Richard Levi is the name on everyone's lips (and no doubt a few T20 League scouts' speed dials) after his world record 13 sixes in an unbeaten century in the second T20 on Sunday. The innings was nothing short of epic and lifted the spirits of the South African team that had come off something of a hiding in the opening match. The win in Hamilton was in particular, a great reward for a good show especially after the drubbing they received in Wellington. There was a good chance that South Africa could have lost the match and the series though, as they went into the match a batsman short. So the Proteas have Levi to thank in more than one way. Hashim Amla has been a key factor in South Africa's scores and his failure to score was another glimpse of how close the South Africans came to thread treacherous waters. The Proteas are likely to walk into the third match confident about registering a win but they will also want to look for some key parameters to beat a ready to explode Guptill and his fellow batters.

South African bowling has looked consistently dull. Even though one might say the grounds are small and makes it easy for batsmen to score runs at ease, none of the South African bowlers have looked like they are making any effort against it, except perhaps Johan Botha who has bowled comparatively better. Most importantly, the Protean bowlers will have to look for a way to maintain consistency in line and length and learn to vary their pace if they are to even think about stopping the form the New Zealand batters are currently in.

New Zealand: The Kiwis might have well thought that the series was as good as won when they posted a defendable 173. But what happened over the next couple of hours was a nightmare they had never expected and they would be eager to forget that sooner than anything else. New Zealand have their own in-form man in Martin Guptill who until the incredible knock by Levi looked like being the star of the series. The man is very proficient in clearing the boundary ropes and as you are probable to see, he is most likely to decide the fate of the series. Guptill has led the Kiwi opening proficiently throughout the series. Also, with Brendon McCullum, James Franklin and Kane Williamson looking like they are ready to face any formidable bowling attack with ease, what the Black Caps need to do is to concentrate on not getting trampled on in the middle overs. If the second match be considered as an exception, then the Kiwis will want to control the pace of the match in the overs between 10 - 18 to either chase the set target or set the target. Coming to New Zealand's bowling, Tim Southee is the only bowler who has looked decent so far while the rest have been taken for some runs. it is likely that Michael Bates might replace an out of form Kyle Mills for the 3rd T20I.

Final Word: When two equally matched, equally dangerous teams clash to settle a series in the fast paced format of the game, there is nothing much that can be said except that some seriously astounding Cricket is sure to be witnessed. This clash in Aukland is sure to go down to wire.